What am i doing Wrong?

[Steve M]

I recently bought a Dovo Special 3 weeks ago which came shave sharp and it passed the hanging hair test no problems. However probably due to my newbie stropping techique it soon became a little bit dull. So i used some red paste on a paddle strop which brought it back to life again. Unfortunately a week later i decided to try honing and gave it a few passes on a begium couticle. Since then it will not cut a hanging hair.
I have tried the red paste again and honing again to no gain.
Despite this it still shaves ok but i know it can be better.
Any Ideas?

[BroJohn]

Steve --

Not a straight razor guy, but know that inappropriate technique in honing or stropping can ruin a keen edge.

This isn't the best forum for info on Straights. Get thee over to the B&B General Straight Razor forum and check out the sub-forums on Razors, Honing, Stropping. Those guys will help you get squared away. Good Luck.

-- John Gehman

[Tyrfingr]

I recently bought a Dovo Special 3 weeks ago which came shave sharp and it passed the hanging hair test no problems. However probably due to my newbie stropping techique it soon became a little bit dull. So i used some red paste on a paddle strop which brought it back to life again. Unfortunately a week later i decided to try honing and gave it a few passes on a begium couticle. Since then it will not cut a hanging hair.
I have tried the red paste again and honing again to no gain.
Despite this it still shaves ok but i know it can be better.
Any Ideas?

If you haven't already, i would recommend that you check out the honing videos on Youtube. I have just started with the straight myself, i have all the stones but i haven't gotten into the honing bit yet so i can't dish out any advices i'm afraid.